Rose O'Neal Greenhow- "Rebel Rose" of the Civil War

(1814-1864)external image rose-sml.gif

Rose O'Neal Greenhow is among the many women who had a part in Civil War. She was one of the most well-renowned Confederate spies of her time, and she fought fervently to support the Confederacy.

All about Rose O'Neal Greenhow!

1) She was born in Port Tobacco, Maryland, but moved to her aunt's boarding house in Washington, D.C., as a teenager. Here, she and her sister became acquainted with many of her aunt's male borders, many of which were up-and-coming politicians.

2) She married Dr. Robert Greenhow, who, at the age of 43, was 17 years her senior. They had four daughters and lived in the nation's Capital. They eventually traveled West with the prospects of greater financial gains. However, Dr. Greenhow died in San Francisco, and she moved back to Washington. She adapted the image of a influential woman who was well-known for her beauty, manners, and determination.

3) She openly revealed her self as an allegiant supporter of the Confederate cause. In fact, she is credited with General G.T. Beauregard's victory at the Battle of Bull Run; she sent an important and secret ten-word message.

4) She was imprisoned both in her own home and in jail for her efforts. Allan Pinkerton of the newly formed Secret Service organization ordered close surveillance of her home. She was put on house arrest when Federal officials had evidence that she was transmitting intelligence information to the Confederate army.

5) She toured France and Britain as a Confederate propagandist, and her memoirs were published soon after her arrival in London.

6) Her last job for the Confederacy was as a blockade runner, and she gained foreign support for these states.

7) She boarded the Condor, a blockade runner bound for North Carolina in September 1864. But, a Union gunboat spotted the Condor as Rose neared the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. The Condor became stuck on a sandbar and Greenhow demanded allowance of a lifeboat to escape. However, the formidable weather caused the boat, holding Rose and two others, to capsize. Greenhow's body was recovered the following day, and she was laid out in a hospital chapel with the Confederate flag as a shroud.

8) She was buried on October 1, 1864.


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"Mrs. Rose O’N. Greenhow, a bearer of dispatches to the Confederate Government."